OFFICIAL 2013-2014 NFL Thread

[Liam]

I'm gonna hazard a guess for #3 on Da Boys...I'm gonna say Stephens #3, and Corp on the practice squad. Just a guess, but I, like everyone else, won't know until final cuts.

[AR]

I've posted pics of my replicas before but yesterday I got upclose and personal with the real deal.



The original picture this year wasn't good as they had over 1,000 people at the Spring Football Fest hurding through like cattle just to stand 15 feet in front of them. I called the Ravens offices and complained and they arranged for me to come down to the stadium yesterday for a proper photo op!

[Liam]

I like everything you've told me about the Ravens organization. They really sound like they want to make ALL their fans happy anyway they can. That's a rarity. They LOVE that city.

[RPM]

I've posted pics of my replicas before but yesterday I got upclose and personal with the real deal.



The original picture this year wasn't good as they had over 1,000 people at the Spring Football Fest hurding through like cattle just to stand 15 feet in front of them. I called the Ravens offices and complained and they arranged for me to come down to the stadium yesterday for a proper photo op!

That is awesome! very cool of them to do that, The pic turned out well!

[YoungJRNY]

Nice, Ed! But I tell yah, in the NFL, those smiles can turn into frowns real quick. Hopefully, the Black & Gold wipe those out Good stuff, dude

[mikemarrs]

Saw this over at NFL.com it's the top 20 games of 2012.......http://www.nfl.com/top20games

Many cool games throughout the list.

What constitutes a great game?

Is it big-time stakes, like a championship of some sort? A showcase of premier players playing at an insane level? Or does an instant classic draw its allure from the classic nature of its matchup?

Well, in the case of our No. 11 Game of 2012, none of those factors were present.

Still, the Week 3 bout between the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions was better than the NFC Championship Game, which garnered the No. 17 spot on this list.

It was the highest scoring NFL game of 2012 which Tennessee won 44-41 in overtime.

Let's see … In the first quarter, a perfectly executed throwback lateral led to a punt-return touchdown. In the fourth quarter, a perfectly executed onside kick led to Titus Young's Hail Mary touchdown. Oh, and did I mention the four 60-plus-yard scores sandwiched in between?

Yeah, I think this'd be a good introduction to the game for just about anyone.

Did You Know? The Titans became the first team in NFL history to have five touchdowns of 60 yards or longer in an NFL game. Here's the rundown:

First quarter: Tommie Campbell returns a punt 65 yards for a touchdown (10-6, Titans).
Second quarter: Jared Cook scores on a 61-yard touchdown grab (17-6, Titans).
Fourth quarter: Reynaud takes a kick return 105 yards to the house (27-27).
Fourth quarter: Nate Washington makes a ridiculous reach around the back catch (more on this below), going the distance for 71 yards (34-27, Titans).
Fourth quarter: Verner strips Brandon Pettigrew (huge surprise) and goes all the way for a 72-yard score (41-27, Titans).

Subbing for an injured Matthew Stafford,Shaun Hill entered the game with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, trailing by two touchdowns -- a dire situation, to say the least. And, would you believe it, Hill brought Detroit back!

First, Hill guided the Lions on an eight-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, culminating with a sweet throw -- an eat-your-heart-out-Bernie-Kosar sidearm ball that landed right in Megatron's belly for six.

Then came the coup de grace: a 46-yard Hail Mary toss to Titus Young. This game-tying score came with a little help from Tennessee's Akeem Ayers. The linebacker, who had 17 tackles in this game, was supposed to hang out shy of the goal line to prevent a tipped ball from falling to a waiting Lions receiver. Ayers instead played the ball, tipping it to the very guy he was supposed to be defending. Frankly, it was the kind of blunder the Lions usually make. Weird.

Tennessee drove 72 yards on the opening possession of overtime before settling for a 26-yard field goal from Rob Bironas, giving the Titans a 44-41 edge. Per the new OT rules, Detroit needed to at least match that field goal to extend the game.

The Lions proceeded to take the ball to Tennessee's 7-yard line before facing a fourth-and-1. Chip-shot field goal to tie it up? Not so much. Detroit lined up on the ball, and suddenly Hill was trying to bust up the middle for the first down.

A Schwartz gamble gone awry. … Or so we thought.

In the postgame, it was revealed that Detroit was actually just trying to draw the Titans offsides, but center Dominic Raiola mistakenly snapped the ball.

Was it a bad move? From this vantage point -- and with the benefit of hindsight -- the Lions probably should have just kicked the field goal. But I definitely see Schwartz's logic in trying to get a cheap penalty and a cheap first down.

Why This Game is No. 11: Really, the question should be, Why isn't this game ranked higher?

As awesome as Lions-Titans was, neither team made the postseason in 2012.

Historical Symmetry: Pretty much every football fan not living in Zamunda in January of 2000 remembers the "Music City Miracle."

Well, Tennessee got its first touchdown in this instant classic with the same throwback play -- only this time, on a punt. Reynaud fielded the punt on the left side of the field, then pivoted and threw a pass -- a clear lateral -- to Campbell. From there on in, it was smooth sailing, 65 yards to the goal line.

On a related note, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz was actually a linebackers coach for the Titans during the "Music City Miracle" game.


http://www.nfl.com/top20games/2012/lions-at-titans

[Liam]

I think we were #10 where we lost to the Giants by LITERALLY a finger.That game pissed me off more than you could imagine.

[Liam]

Romo haters...Piss off...(Not written by me)

It's funny how people base their opinions off of what the morons at ESPN and NFL Network say, instead of listening to some of the NFL greats who actually know what they're talking about. Here are just a few quotes from some of the NFL greats who support Tony Romo. All of these comments were said within the last 2 seasons.

Super Bowl winning Cowboys QB Troy Aikman on Tony Romo: “I’m a big fan of his and I’ve said it all along. I think Tony already is a better quarterback than I was. I know how quarterbacks are judged, but as far as his playmaking ability and the things that he is capable of doing, he is a far more athletic quarterback, capable of making more plays than I ever was able to. He’s a special player. Unfortunately, not enough people recognize that. I know that people keep asking, ‘Hey, can Tony Romo lead this team to a Super Bowl?’ And I believe that he can."

Super Bowl winning 49ers QB Steve Young on Tony Romo: "Tony has greatness in him. I think when you talk to other people that really play the quarterback position, and I see it as well, there's a few guys that really have incredible greatness in them, and Tony is one of them. I think the issue here is he needs more help from his teammates."

Super Bowl winning Cowboys QB Roger Staubach on Tony Romo: “We have the quarterback that can do it in Tony Romo. Tony’s a fierce competitor and as a player, he’s done extremely well. It’s a team effort, though. I was very fortunate. He’s not the problem at all. He’s more of the solution."

NFL All-Time Leading Rusher Emmitt Smith on Tony Romo: "I don’t think any of criticism is really fair, especially Tony Romo. Tony Romo is playing behind an offensive line that is not that good. This guy is running for his life."

Super Bowl winning Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on Tony Romo playing with a punctured lung and broken ribs: “I was surprised he could play so effectively under that much pain. I got cracked in the ribs a couple of years ago and the guys were kind of making fun of me in the huddle because I was having a hard time spitting out the plays. But a punctured lung and cracked rib? That’s a lot of pain. That’s an impressive performance.”

Super Bowl winning Packers QB Brett Favre on Tony Romo: "Romo is probably more like me than any of those guys. Way too much is cast upon him. He carried those guys. I’m watching and right before the snap, he’s telling guys to get into position and they don’t know what they’re doing and then he'll make something out of nothing. That’s part of being a great quarterback."

Super Bowl winning Ravens coach Brian Billick on Tony Romo: "I think he has championship-caliber possibilities. I would have loved to have Tony Romo as my quarterback in Baltimore."

Super Bowl winning Rams QB Kurt Warner on Tony Romo: "I believe Tony Romo's a Top-10 quarterback in this league. I believe he has all the tangibles to be able take that team to the Super Bowl. I don't believe Tony Romo's the problem."

Hall of Famer Bucs DT Warren Sapp on Tony Romo: "Tony Romo is a more than capable quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. That defense just has to step up and give him some help. In the new NFL, your defense gives you a chance and your offense has to win it for you. They're not giving that offense a chance to go out and win football games."

Aside from all of these quotes, Charles Woodson and LeSean McCoy have both recently commented on their support and admiration of Tony Romo. And before last season, Aaron Rodgers was asked who the best QB's in the league are besides himself and he mentioned Drew Bree's, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Tony Romo. So when I hear fans and the media talk about how much Tony Romo "sucks", I just laugh and remember what the real experts say about #9
Via How 'Bout Them Cowboys - Ben

[collingwood]

I have just finished watching all the American's Game episodes from the first Super Bowl to the 2008 one with the Steelers winning. So I've now picked up a lot of knowledge and understanding of some of the history of the game. It's been a great way to learn Now I'll just have to try and get up to date with the current players so I'll be ready for the first game of the new season. Just from what I can work out teams that win 10 or more games the previous season have a high percentage of winning the Super Bowl compared with teams who have less than 10 wins the previous year. It's still possible but it only happens on the odd occasion.

[mikemarrs]

Another issue a lot of teams face before the season even starts is trying to make it from May through August with nothing major happening like injuries or players getting into trouble.For instance the 49ers have already lost a major player in their quest to make it back to the big game when Michael Crabtree suffered a torn Achilles tendon.With that being said it does take a little bit of luck each season for teams to make it through those months without having any issues.Evan Rodriguez a tight end for Chicago has already been arrested twice this offseason.They've already issued on his behalf a statement expressing remorse for Friday’s alleged DUI.Mike Goodson the troubled Jets running back has more problems than recent gun and drug arrests as he’s now being hit with another paternity suit in Houston by a woman demanding child support for four children.I'm pretty sure the Jets weren't anticipating all this when they brought him in to help their rushing unit.Teams can breathe a sigh of relief when they make it through the few months before the season starts without any injury woes or off the field issues.Tennessee a big player in free agency has had some concerns already with some of those brought in as tight end Delanie Walker missed practice Friday and is having an MRI done because of his knee.Andy Levitre a pro bowl guard they brought in from Buffalo is having lingering knee issues as well.Second round draft pick wide receiver Justin Hunter is battling hamstring problems.All three of these players are big pieces of the offense this season.

[Liam]

My favorite player is Titus Young...arrested 3 times in 1 week.

[Liam]

Jim Kelly was diagnosed with cancer in the jaw....best of luck to him.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100000 ... one-cancer

[Don]

Deacon Jones dies at 74

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/93402 ... me-dead-74

David "Deacon" Jones, the original sackmaster, has died.

The Hall of Fame defensive end credited with terming the word sack for how he knocked down quarterbacks, was 74. The Washington Redskins said that Jones died of natural causes at his home in Southern California on Monday night.

"Deacon Jones was one of the greatest players in NFL history. Off the field, he was a true giant," said Redskins general manager Bruce Allen, whose father, George, coached Jones with the Los Angeles Rams. "His passion and spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him. He was a cherished member of the Allen family and I will always consider him my big brother."

Because sacks didn't become an official statistic until 1982, Jones' total is uncertain. His impact as a premier pass rusher and team leader is not.

Jones was the leader of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome unit from 1961-71 and then played for San Diego for two seasons before finishing his career with the Redskins in 1974. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and made the league's 75th anniversary all-time squad.

"Deacon Jones has been the most inspirational person in my football career," said former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood.

Jones made the Pro Bowl every year from 1964-70 and played in eight overall. He combined with fellow Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy on a defensive line that at times was unblockable.

Olsen died in March 2010 at age 69 and Lundy died in February 2007 at 71. Grier, who is 80, is the only surviving member of the Fearsome Foursome.

George Allen, who coached the Fearsome Foursome, called Jones the "greatest defensive end of modern football." The Allen family had Jones present George Allen for his Hall of Fame induction in 2002.

The Rams' stats show Jones with 159½ sacks for them and 173½ for his career -- all unofficial, of course. Jones also was one of the most durable players, missing just five games in his 14 pro seasons.

A 14th-round draft pick in 1961 out of Mississippi Valley State, which later produced Jerry Rice, Jones was the first defensive lineman with 100 solo tackles, reaching that mark in 1967.

"The thing we've got to remember being players in this era is to really respect the game `back when,' because those guys could really play," said Chris Long of the Rams, whose father, Howie, also is in the Hall of Fame. "Deacon Jones is a perfect example. This whole league and everybody in this game should honor the past and the players who played in that era. Those guys paved the way for us."

Jones also had several small acting roles both during and after his playing career. He was a guest star on a handful of television shows -- including episodes of "Bewitched," "The Brady Bunch" and "The Odd Couple" -- and appeared in the 1978 Warren Beatty film "Heaven Can Wait."

Most recently, Jones was the CEO of his own foundation, which he began in 1997. He also made several trips to visit troops on active duty in the Middle East.

[Liam]

R*I*P to Jones. I've seen a lot of his film. The dude was a badass.

[Liam]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsZMbleuMNY

[mikemarrs]

Some interesting games i see so far on the 2013 NFL schedule are....

Ravens at Broncos to start the season and if some people don't know yet Elvis Dumervil jumped from the Broncos to the Ravens.Going to be interesting

Packers at 49ers is a great week one game

Broncos at Giants in week two where the Mannings face each other

49ers at Seahawks in a week two NFC West battle both these teams are early super bowl favorites in NFC and Percy Harvin formerly of Minnesota is now part of that great Seattle offense

Bears at Steelers is a great week three game

Kansas City coach Andy Reid goes back to Philadelphia to face his old team the Eagles in week three

Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans is a great interconference week four matchup

New England at Atlanta in a week four matchup of teams that both fell one game short of super bowl.

Texans at 49ers one of best games of week five

Packers at Ravens and Saints at Patriots are great in week six

Broncos at Colts in week seven where Peyton plays his old team in Indy

Redskins at Broncos is a great week eight game RGIII vs. Peyton

Those are some good games i saw over the first half of the year.In the second half of the season i found some of these....

Week nine Steelers at Patriots and Packers face the Bears also the Titans travel to face their former coach Jeff Fisher in St. Louis

Week ten is Seahawks at Falcons two really good teams in the NFC who could meet again in the postseason

Week eleven Ravens at Bears and the 49ers battle the Saints

Week twelve Broncos at Patriots with another Manning vs. Brady matchup and 49ers at Redskins RGIII faces Kaepernick two QB's who both look to dominate the NFC for years to come.

Week thirteen Patriots at Texans and Saints face the Seahawks in what should be a high scoring game between two great offenses

Week fourteen Falcons at Packers who will most likely meet again in playoffs and Seahawks square off against the 49ers in what could be a very important battle for home field or even the division.

Week fifteen Redskins at Falcons and Seahawks travel a very far distance from the west coast to the east coast to face the Giants.

Week sixteen Broncos at Texans plus Falcons at 49ers and finally Patriots at Ravens two teams who have won the AFC the last couple seasons and that game could have huge playoff implications maybe home field at stake if both are playing well.

Finally last week of the season some games will come down to division matchups...Packers at Bears and Redskins at Giants are two games that might come down to the wire.

[Don]

The ESPN conversation section is scrolling so fast, I can't even read it.


The New England Patriots will sign Tim Tebow, league sources told ESPN.

The Patriots are signing Tebow, who is expected to participate in the team's mandatory minicamp Tuesday, as a quarterback.

The move reunites Tebow with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was the Denver Broncos' head coach when Denver traded into the first round to draft the Heisman Trophy winner in 2010.

[RPM]

Finally The Patriots have a Q.B. !!............

[No Surprize]

Finally The Patriots have a Q.B. !!............

I KNOW John is jumping for JOY!

[Don]

I don't think it's a bad signing at all. He is no threat to Brady and if he refuses to learn a new position like Edelman and others have done, then his career will truly be over in the NFL.

[Liam]

Belicheat will do one of 2 things...develop a QB, or kill his QB designation, and make him into something he can actually play without looking like a retarded 3 year old girl.

[conversationpc]

Finally The Patriots have a Q.B. !!............

I KNOW John is jumping for JOY!

Standing by for epic rant from JfB!

I'm loving this move!

[Don]

Has Tebow ever smashed someone that's picked off one of his passes?

[slucero]

This s gonna be the game to watch..

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 New England Patriots vs. New York Jets

[RPM]

I don't really get why Tim would want to go there.
If this "guru" is correct that he fixed Tebows windup,
Who's going to get to see it with him being third string?
I don't even think you get to carry the clipboard.
He should go to Canada . By the way third string Q.B
Would be my ultimate dream job. Great seats for the games
No 300 pound guys trying to hurt you, league min pay.....
I could do twenty hears of that.

[Enigma869]

Shoot me now!

[mikemarrs]

When it comes to the NFL schedule, the bottom line for every team is obviously the same: eight home games and eight road games.

But just how those games are divided up can make a difference.

The Titans, for instance, will this year become the first team in the last half decade to battle a particular pair of schedule challenges in the same season: Tennessee not only plays its first two games on the road, but also later plays three straight games on the road, a combination no NFL team has had to deal with since the Chicago Bears in 2008.

Breaking down each of those two components a little further, the Titans are one of just three NFL teams in 2013 that will play their first two games away from home. Tennessee opens at Pittsburgh and then goes to Houston. The other teams that play their first two games on the road are Miami (at Cleveland, at Indianapolis) and Minnesota (at Detroit, at Chicago).

In addition, the Titans are one of just two NFL teams in 2013 that will spend three straight weekends on the road. Tennessee goes to Oakland (Nov. 24), Indianapolis (Dec. 1) and Denver (Dec. . The only other team facing three straight road games this year is Philadelphia, which plays successive contests at Denver, the New York Giants and Tampa Bay.

So how did the last team to deal with a road schedule like this year’s Titans fare? The 2008 Chicago Bears finished 9-7 overall (2-3 in those five road contests) and fell one win short of making the playoffs.

[Liam]

Let's see..the Cowboys begin and end the season at home, only 2 straight road games, BUT...we get a week 11 BYE. Eesh.

[collingwood]

Just a couple of questions... Is there a limit to how many players a team has on their roster? and when a team wins the Super Bowl who gets rings?

[Jonny B]

I know that during the preseason, a team has close to 90 players, which is trimmed to a 53-man roster at the start of the regular season. I think the rings are determined by a combination of how many games the player plays in the regular season, and also if they play a down during playoff games.